A regular exam and cleaning are necessary to have a nice and healthy mouth! It is best to detect any decay early so that we can help treat the problem as quickly as possible.

First Visit

When you visit our dental office for the first time, you will need a regular exam and cleaning done to ensure that your teeth are healthy and prepped for treatment. Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive examination to diagnose any dental problem(s) you may have in order to customize a treatment plan accordingly. Our dentists will look over your medical and dental history, including recent radiographs (x-rays). The individual treatment plan is custom designed to suit your specific requirements.

Based on your current dental examination, we will clean your teeth completely to remove any decayed tissue and eliminate tartar and plaque. Some people may find to have complex medical issues and for these patients, a second appointment be made to discuss the cleaning and treatment procedures.

Regular Cleaning

Plaque and tartar buildup is quick if you don’t brush and floss regularly. A regular cleaning is done to check your teeth for any signs of decay as well as to make sure your gums are healthy. Our hygienists will remove any plaque that has collected on the surfaces of your teeth as well as polish and floss them for you. They will also check for oral cancer, diabetes related tooth loss or other vitamin deficiencies. After your cleaning, we will give tips and advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home when you are in-between dental visits.

Dental Examination

A full dental examination will involve a thorough observation of your mouth including teeth, gums, and tongue. The dentist will check your bite, the contact between your teeth, and look for signs of decay, as well as any broken or loose teeth. They will also look at the overall health of your gums and take x-rays. Once the dental examination has been completed, the dentist will do an evaluation of your dental health. When you visit our dental clinic, we’ll give you the requisite information about keeping your teeth and gums healthy.

Benefit with a visit to the dentist

To get maximum advantage of your visit to the dentist, it is best to let the dentist know about your oral health. If you have any abnormal growths or symptoms, or pain in any of your teeth, let the dentist know about it. They will be able to evaluate the issue that you are facing and find the cause of the discomfort. It is essential that the issue be treated as quickly as possible, so that the infection and/or pain does not get severe.

Call us today and we’ll schedule an appointment for you at the earliest. If there is an emergency, we’ll accommodate you as early as possible.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a resin material (a durable plastic that is matched to the color of your teeth) is applied to your teeth and hardened with a special light. The light bonds the resin to your tooth and helps to improve the overall appearance and restoration of your tooth. The procedure takes approximately between 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.

Conditions Under Which Dental Bonding Would Be Used

Dental bonding is done for a variety of reasons. These include

filling in cavities

repairing chipped or cracked teeth

improving the appearance of discolored teeth

closing spaces between teeth

making teeth look longer

changing the shape of teeth

as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings

to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede.

Procedure

The first step is to meet with the dentist and see if you need to get the procedure done. If it is determined that you do need dental bonding on a tooth, the dentist will then use a shade guide to choose the closest matching resin color to your teeth. After that, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid will be applied. This will help the bonding material stick to your tooth. Next, the resin is applied and molded to match the shape of your tooth. A special light is then used to harden the material. Finally, the dentist will shape, trim, and polish the resin so that it matches the rest of your teeth.

What Is a Bridge?

A bridge (also called a fixed partial denture) is a restoration piece that replaces or spans the space where one or more teeth have been lost. It is made by placing crowns on the teeth that are on either side of the space and attaching a false tooth/ teeth between the crowns.

Bridges are made from gold alloys, non-precious alloys, porcelain, or a combination of these materials.

When Do You Need a Bridge?

A bridge can be used to help the following

Restore your smile

Support and maintain the shape of your face

Restore the ability to eat and chew foods

Make speaking easier

Prevent other teeth from shifting

The Process

Bridges will require two visits to be put in place. During the first visit, the teeth surrounding the gap will be contoured to allow room for crowns to be placed over them. Impressions will then be taken so that the crowns, replacement tooth, and bridge can be created at a dental lab. A temporary bridge with crowns will be made by the dentist and placed onto the contoured teeth in the meantime. During the second visit, the temporary bridge will be removed and the actual one will be put into place. You may have to come in for a third visit depending on the fit of the bridge. In this case, we will readjust it to make sure that it fits perfectly and you are comfortable.

How Long Do They Last?

Bridges can last anywhere between 5-15 years or even longer if taken care of properly. Remember to brush and floss daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Come in for your regular cleanings as well to help keep both the area and your mouth nice and clean!

Is Your Tooth Chipped, Broken or Decayed Due to Cavities?

At Pearl Family Dentistry, we work with a host of issues pertaining to damaged teeth and ensure that you do not lose them by restoring their functionality with ease. We customize and craft porcelain crowns to give the damaged tooth strength and restore the bite.

We have the expertise and equipment to help you restore your smile with a customized treatment plan and cosmetic services. To start with the replacement of a lost tooth or to do damage control on weak teeth, we offer a high quality restorative technique of placing the crown over the natural tooth so that it looks like what it used to.

At the first visit, our dentist will look over the current condition, evaluate the situation, and then conduct procedures that will contain the damage and repair the natural teeth. This may include filling cavities, removing damaged or decay and cleaning the tooth. The dentist will then take an impression or a mold of the natural tooth and send it to the laboratory for custom crafting. The tooth is then filed to make it smaller in size so that the crown fits over it completely without being obtrusive. You will need to make another scheduled visit after a couple of days to get the custom crafted porcelain crown cemented into place. However, if you are not comfortable with a newly attached crown or experience discomfort, please call us.

Do You Need a Porcelain Dental Crown?

If you are looking to restore your smile and get the functionality of your natural tooth that is chipped or broken, crowns do just that. Listed below are a few of the benefits dental crowns provide:

Easily replaces missing tooth

Restores the strength of chipped, damaged and broken teeth

covers filling

Hides stained and discolored teeth

Holds dental bridge securely in place

Covers dental implant or prosthetic tooth

Protects tooth against dental decay

Caring for Dental Crowns

If you take care of your teeth, crowns can easily last for a decade. You can brush and floss like usual and as they are not as strong as natural teeth, please refrain from using the crowns to bite on hard food or cutting things. However, if the crown comes out or gets loose at any time, we will restore it right back.

We offer a customized range of cosmetic dentistry services to ensure that you get a smile makeover. Using advanced technology and skilled staff, we offer tooth replacements and treatment for a host of gum and teeth ailments. To know more about how Pearl Family Dentistry can assist you with natural teeth restorations and crowns, call our office today at 209-383-6133 to speak with us.

Dentures

A prosthetic dental device, dentures are partial or full and are inserted into your mouth to replace the spaces of lost or missing natural teeth. They give support to the lips and cheeks which would otherwise sag. Dentures are less expensive than implants. They are also covered under most dental insurances.

We have financial payment plans that can be set up to help our patients cover the cost of the procedure and the denture itself. There isn’t anything stopping you from getting the help that you need with your teeth. So, for anyone with damaged or lost teeth that amount to a large number or that cannot be repaired in any other way, denture makes a great alternative to permanent teeth. Most of the dentures are crafted of acrylic.

Traditionally, the dentures are used after all of the teeth have been extracted and the gums have completely healed.

Quick dentures are crafted and inserted just after the teeth are extracted and the gums heal under the prosthetic device.

The lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe and there is space for the tongue while the upper denture is natural flesh colored and completely covers the palate.

Quality Dental Care and Modern Dentures

Crafted from porcelain, acrylic and plastic or a combination of these, the dentures are custom crafted to ensure that they will fit over the gums and treated teeth. The modern complete dentures are attached to the dental implants to help you get a better fitting of the dentures. As you will need dentures all your life, they will need to be replaced over time and need replacements to ensure that your jaw alignment remains normal. You might need to get the dentures relined as the gum and bone shrink with the tooth extractions. We recommend that total dental examination is a must, as Dr. Badwalz will check the oral tissues for changes and infections.

With changes in technology and advancements, we have dental implants done for dentures too. This is an advance option for lose tooth replacement and you can ensure that the dentures are fixed with implants. Dr. Badwalz implants titanium studs into the jawbone that integrates with the bone. They are then restored with clips that correspond to the same on the dentures. This ensures that the dentures remain fixed and do not move or slide.

Contact Us Today

Contact us today and let us schedule a consultation to discuss the best lose tooth replacement procedure. We will not only review your cosmetic goals but consider the dental health and other lifestyle requirements to ensure that you select the best as per your need.

Even after the dentures are fitted, you’ll be required to consult the dentists for regular examinations so that your gums remain infection free. As the shape of jawbone and gums changes with time, due to permanent tooth loss, you might need to get new dentures or get the old ones realigned for better grip and use. When you wear improper fitted dentures, you are at a risk of sores and infections. We’d like you to ensure that if there is any problem, please call us immediately.

Using the most advanced dental technology possible is just as important as staying up-to-date on the latest treatment techniques. Because our practice is dedicated to providing you with the safest and most convenient treatment options available, we utilize advanced digital X-ray technology in our office.

Digital X-rays provide several advanced imaging options that are designed to save time, provide clearer dental photos, and expose patients to less radiation than with traditional X-ray technology.

Our practice is focused on making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. At your next appointment, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

There are times when it is necessary to remove a tooth. Sometimes a baby tooth has misshapen or long roots that prevent it from falling out as it should, and the tooth must be removed to make way for the permanent tooth to erupt. At other times, a tooth may have so much decay that it puts the surrounding teeth at risk of decay, so your doctor may recommend removal and replacement with a bridge or implant. Infection, orthodontic correction, or problems with a wisdom tooth can also require removal of a tooth.

When it is determined that a tooth needs to be removed, your dentist may extract the tooth during a regular checkup or may request another visit for this procedure. The root of each tooth is encased within your jawbone in a “tooth socket”, and your tooth is held in that socket by a ligament. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist must expand the socket and separate the tooth from the ligament holding it in place. While this procedure is typically very quick, it is important to share with your doctor any concerns or preferences for sedation.

Once a tooth has been removed, neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint function. To avoid these complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth.

Dental fillings are used primarily during the treatment of cavities. They are also used to help fill in crack or chipped teeth, as well as to repair teeth that have been worn down.

Treating Cavities

The first step in treating a cavity is to come in and get an exam done to see if you have any cavities. If some are found, the next step would be to see how many you have and how bad the decay is. If the decay is large, a root canal may be needed to be done. Otherwise, the next step would be to get ready for fillings!

The dentist will first use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth that has a cavity. After that, Dr. Badwalz will use a drill to clean away any and all decay that is in the tooth. He will then check to make sure that all the decay is removed before cleaning out the area of bacteria and debris. If the cavity is near the roots, the dentist will fill the area with a resin material first to cover the roots and then fill in the cavity.

Depending on what type of filling you get, more steps may be necessary. For example, if you are going to get a tooth-colored filling it will be applied in layers. After each layer is applied, a special light is used to harden the material before the next layer is applied and so on. The last and final step after any filling is to trim off the excess material and polish the filling.

Types of Fillings

Traditional dental restoratives, or fillings, may include gold, porcelain, or composite. Newer dental fillings include ceramic and plastic compounds that mimic the appearance of natural teeth.

Taking Care of Fillings

Keep up a good oral hygiene like normal. Brush and floss your teeth regularly. Visit Pearl Family Dentistry for regular cleanings to make sure that you do not develop any more cavities.

Implant placement and Restoration

We at Dentist Merced understand how uncomfortable you might be feeling if you are missing a tooth or a few teeth. However, dental implant placement and restoration is one of the best methods of permanent tooth replacements.

At Pearl Family Dentistry, we work with you at every step to ensure that you get the best dental restoration process and experience. We offer comprehensive implant procedures that include surgical placement of a prosthetic root and crown in place of the missing tooth, giving your bite restored strength. They offer the same functionality as other existing natural teeth.

Understanding dental implant placements

There are two parts of an implant. The prosthetic root with abutment and the porcelain crown. The bio-compatible titanium stud is drilled and implanted into the jawbone at the location of the missing tooth and is screwed into place as a prosthetic root. It takes anywhere between a couple of weeks to a few months till it integrates with the jawbone. This process is termed as ossification. This provides strength to the prosthetic root. After the root has integrated with bone tissue, an abutment is added to the tip of the titanium stud. This will hold the porcelain crown in place. The crown looks and matches the rest of the natural teeth and is naturally colored. It is placed atop the implant and secured in place.

We ensure that the size, color and shape match your teeth perfectly. Whether it is the front tooth or one of the molars, the procedure is the same. The crown is custom crafted using impressions taken from the teeth around the gap. This completes your smile and now there isn’t any visible gap.

Advantage of dental implants

One of the most important aspects of implant placements and restoration is the fact that it prevents your jawbone from deteriorating over time. This is due to the fact that your missing tooth is replaced in aesthetics and functionality. Additionally, it restores bone strength allowing you to have both a better bite and facial contours for years to come. When you lose teeth/ a tooth, the underlying bone starts to wither and shrink which may lead to turning, caving and even tipping which may lead to problems with functionality and bite. As prosthetic roots and crowns are anchored into the bone, it helps to restore the bone.

Dr. Badwalz specializes in dental implants and at Pearl Family Dentistry, we would be happy to provide you with more information. There is an initial assessment regarding your eligibility where we will conduct multiple checks on your jaw bone density and administer other oral health examinations. Please call in at 209-383-6133 and schedule an appointment to discuss methods of tooth replacement and dental implants. We look forward to being of assistance and restoring your smile!

You know the importance of prevention when it comes to your dental health, and we’re always looking for new, improved ways to help you achieve a healthy smile for life. While X-rays provide valuable information, they don’t give a complete view of everything that is going on inside your mouth. With the use of an intraoral camera, we can see every aspect of your teeth and mouth with incredible detail, uncovering cracked teeth, plaque deposits, cavities next to fillings, and excessive wear. When we can discover oral problems early on, your treatment is much less invasive and much more cost effective.

Our intraoral camera is small – about the size of the mirror we use during your regular hygiene appointments. You probably wouldn’t even notice we’re using it, except that with the intraoral camera, you have the opportunity to see everything we see on a monitor. This is a great tool to help you become more informed about your dental health, as it gives you a clear understanding of your teeth’s condition, and it allows you to make a more informed decision regarding your treatment options.

Fluoride is effective in preventing cavities and tooth decay and in preventing plaque from building up and hardening on the tooth’s surface. A fluoride treatment in your dentist’s office takes just a few minutes. After the treatment, patients may be asked not to rinse, eat, or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or your doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six, or 12 months.

Laser therapy in dentistry provides patients with a more comfortable dental treatment experience. Using laser dentistry, your dentist is able to deliver a precise treatment that is more comfortable, quicker, and provides more stunning results. There are two different types of laser dentistry: hard tissue and soft tissue. Hard tissue includes treatments such as cavity detection, dental fillings, and improving tooth sensitivity. Soft tissue treatments include gum reshaping, gum surgery, and improving muscle attachment.

There are several benefits to receiving a laser therapy dental treatment.

Many laser treatments do not require anesthesia, and the recovery time is much quicker than with traditional treatment methods.

Treatments are more comfortable.

There is potentially less of a chance for bacterial infection because laser treatments are so precise.

Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in any kind of full-contact sport, the American Dental Association recommends that you wear a mouthguard. Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the &#8220;boil-and-bite&#8221; fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist. When you chose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well-fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.

Root Canals

Is your gum inflamed, and there is severe sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or food? You might need a root canal treatment. As one of the leading dentists, Dr. Badwalz is skilled on all aspects of root canal treatments and can perform it at our dental office. This is extremely comforting and convenient to our patients as the continuity of care is assured.

Though considered to be an unpleasant procedure, if you are wondering why it is done, the fact is that oftentimes, it becomes necessary to save your natural tooth.

Details about Root Canal Procedure

Each tooth has a root that goes deep into the jawbone and each of these has a canal with pulp and nerves. You need to get a root canal done when the pulp is infected and that makes the nerves of the root sensitive. Even though the procedure is uncomfortable but it isn’t painful as the days leading up to it are. When the pulp gets infected, there is swelling, formation of pus that leads to acute pain in some cases. The procedure usually helps to alleviate the pain to a certain extent but any invasive procedure does hurt a little. However, Dr. Badwalz has years of experience with doing root canals and understands your anxiety.

He only starts the procedure after the local anesthesia has completely numbed the area to ensure that there is no residual pain or discomfort. A small access is created on the surface of the tooth, so that the dentist can clean the nerves and infection is completely removed. The damaged pulp is removed and the root canal system is completely cleaned of any infective tissue. Then the access will be filled with inert substances and medicines to prevent a reoccurrence of the infection.

After the root canal treatment has been completed, the cavity will be filled in and if needed, a crown is placed over the tooth. This will eliminate chances of reoccurrence of infection. Another reason is that after the root canal procedure, there is a high chance of the tooth becoming brittle and cracking. Our staff will discuss the post-root canal care and treatments to ensure that you can heal quickly.

Oral hygiene and healthy teeth

If you need root canal or have been prescribed it, we’ll help you with the process and ensure that your teeth can be saved. Call us now and we will ensure that you are scheduled for the procedure and find quick relief. However, if the dentist feels that you are not amenable to this specific treatment, Dr. Badwalz would be happy to offer alternate treatment. In most cases, this doesn’t happen and once you get the root canal treatment done, your tooth is healed. However, this procedure is not completed in a single visit and you may need to schedule a few visits.

Sometimes brushing is not enough, especially when it comes to those hard-to-reach spots in your mouth. It is difficult for your toothbrush to get in-between the small cracks and grooves on your teeth. If left alone, those tiny areas can develop tooth decay. Sealants give your teeth extra protection against decay and help prevent cavities.

Dental sealants are a plastic resin that bonds and hardens in the deep grooves on your tooth’s surface. When a tooth is sealed, the tiny grooves become smooth and are less likely to harbor plaque. With sealants, brushing your teeth becomes easier and more effective against tooth decay.

Sealants are typically applied to children’s teeth as a preventive measure against tooth decay after the permanent teeth have erupted. However, adults can also receive sealants on healthy teeth. It is more common to seal “permanent” teeth rather than “baby” teeth, but every patient has unique needs, and your dentist will recommend sealants on a case-by-case basis.

Sealants last from three to five years, but it is fairly common to see adults with sealants still intact from their childhood. A dental sealant only provides protection when it is fully intact, so if your sealants come off, let your dentist know, and schedule an appointment for your teeth to be re-sealed.

You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth’s imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile. Veneers are natural in appearance, and they are a perfect option for patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain), and they are designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, your doctor will create a unique model of your teeth. This model is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your doctor may need to conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

When placed, you’ll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth. While veneers are stain resistant, your doctor may recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.

Wisdom Teeth are molars located in the back of your mouth. The teeth seem to appear later than other teeth around 17-25. A Few reasons to remove your wisdom teeth are

-The area around your teeth is in pain.

-The teeth will “over crowd” you mouth.

– The teeth are not coming in at the right angle.

-The teeth are impacted.

Hours

Monday:8:00 am - 5.00pm

Tuesday:8:00 am - 5.00pm

Wednesday:8:00 am - 5.00pm

Thursday:8:00 am - 5.00pm

Friday:8:00 am - 5.00pm

Saturday & Sunday:Closed

Map & Directions

We are located just seconds away from Olive Ave just down the street from Hibachi Grill on Collins Drive. Look for our big sign just in front of the office. Having trouble finding us? Call us at 209-383-6133!